1. While I do love Christmas, the decorations, the cookies, seeing the family, the music, this post on ZenHabits fits my attitude about buying presents almost too perfectly. While I love buying for my nieces and nephews, and this year my own son, I sometimes feel like we focus so much on the buying, that the real ‘giving’ part gets pushed aside. And we all end up with more clutter in our homes. I remain torn however, since giving and opening gifts can be so much fun on Christmas Eve. But I may try to do something different next Christmas. What are your thoughts?
2. One way I hope to bring more ‘giving’ to Christmas next year is to start a Giving Jar like Jamie shows here. What an awesome idea!

3. Is anyone else feeling that sense of great potential and newness coming with January fast approaching? I love the holidays, but I really love the new year as well. I always create a list of things I want to do and accomplish – resolutions, I guess, is the right word. And of course, I have a hard time keeping them, but I’ll continue to make my list and hope for some better luck this year. This year, I really, truly hope to keep up with a photo-a-day project.

4. In my next life, when I have more time on my hands (I can dream, can’t I?), I’m hoping I can make more of my own baby food. Here are a few of the dishes I’m dreaming of making for Ephram, but know I will never get around to doing it: Mini Pot Pies and Sweet Potato and Butternut (wonderful recipes via Lisa)

5. Though, here is something I really do hope to make soon. Summer shared a granola recipe that has my mouth watering and will hopefully, partially fill my dream to eat more healthy foods. One meal at a time, right?

6. After switching to a desktop computer 3 years ago, I’m in the process of becoming a laptop girl once again. I’m pretty excited. Or, I will be, once I get everything transferred over to it.

7. I forgot to mention this sweet post by Lindsay over at the Pleated Poppy around Thanksgiving. She talks about how her daughter’s prayers always include a ‘thank you for x, because it could be worse.’ Putting life into perspective and realizing how lucky you are is a sure fire way to make your day a touch happier. I think I need this reminder plastered to my bedroom wall, seriously.

8. Very cute, FREE, printable invites for your Holiday Celebration found here at The Sweetest Occasion